Religiously Unaffiliated: A significant majority (57%) of Chinese-alone adults are religiously unaffiliated.
Christian and Buddhist: Around 22% identify as Christian and 12% as Buddhist. This contrasts with Asian Americans overall, where a smaller percentage are unaffiliated, and larger percentages identify as Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist.
Historical Context of Immigration:
first arrived in the U.S. in significant numbers during the mid-19th century, driven by the Gold Rush and opportunities in agriculture and railroad construction.
Exclusion Era: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 severely limited immigration for several decades.
Post-1965 Immigration: The Immigration and Nationality engineer phone number data Act of 1965 led to a new wave of Chinese immigration, characterized by higher levels of education and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Acculturation:
Acculturation levels vary among Chinese Americans depending on their age of immigration, time spent in the U.S., education, socioeconomic status, and desire to assimilate.
There are often distinctions between elderly immigrants with strong ties to traditional culture, working-class immigrants, bi-acculturated professionals, and U.S.-born Chinese Americans who tend to be the most acculturated.
In conclusion, the Chinese American population is a dynamic group characterized by significant growth, geographic concentration in specific urban areas and states, high educational attainment, and increasing economic influence. While many have achieved economic success, disparities exist between the U.S.-born and immigrant populations. Understanding the diverse demographics and historical context of Chinese Americans is crucial to comprehending their multifaceted impact on American society.